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Top Resources For Job Seekers In Connecticut

February 22, 2013 8:00 AM

Photo Credit: Mario Tama/ Getty Images News

Long-term unemployment and underemployment continue to sap the souls and purses of people and families all over the country. While Connecticut has been spared the worst of it compared to many states, that is no comfort to the jobless or to those trying to cobble together a series of part-time situations into something resembling a decent occupation. Turn to these Connecticut resources for help in your job hunt.

Jobs and careers are two very different things. The first is for today, the second is for life – or at least the longer term. CTJobs, a group supported by nearly a score of state and local newspapers, understands the difference. While it lacks a street address for walk-ins, CTJobs offers resources and people available by phone, web and Twitter to help those seeking – and offering – positions. “The most comprehensive job site for opportunities across the state” is how CTJobs bills itself on Facebook and on its website. Its website also has a second, quite different boast: “the comprehensive job board dedicated to building careers in Connecticut.” To help those seeking either or both, the group also offers career resources to help with resume building and information to find and put jobseekers in touch with schools that offer job training and degrees that may help lead to work in a new field.

Formerly ConnecticutJobs.com, Connecticut.Jobing.com is a compilation site where over 1,600 companies post job openings in the state. There are two basic search engines here: one by company (32 pages of companies listed alphabetically) and the other by job or career (in 90 categories or sub-categories). It also has a jobbing education section that points to technical, specialty, degree and advanced degree programs and schools. Signing up opens access to a resume creation website and other tools. Unfortunately, there is no mailing address or phone number, and no obvious way to talk to anyone, but there is an impressive list of companies who post openings on the site.

The State of Connecticut is one of the largest employers in the Nutmeg State, and its Department of Administrative Services offers a lot of starting points for those looking for jobs in state and local government. The website offers general employment information, application forms and posts current openings. There is also an “E-Alert” option where job seekers can elect to receive e-mails when new jobs become open and when new examinations are being held, as applicants have to take and pass tests to qualify for state jobs. The DAS also has a Learning Center, provides information to help veterans receive credit and to help those undergoing job training or education assistance with tuition reimbursement. The state agency also offers advice on how to qualify for tax relief, financial assistance and grants

The state’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs in Rocky Hill is not primarily or even secondarily a job search office for those who served their country, but it does offer resources designed to help veterans with tuition assistance or reimbursement, and with other benefits, grants and issues regarding their efforts to return to work in the civilian market.

The University of Hartford understands that many women face unique challenges when it comes to looking for work, let alone meaningful work Its Women’s and Gender Resource Center in West Hartford offers job search resources tailored to women’s needs, and will offer referrals “both on and off campus and within the community” to support women looking for a safe, equitable and accessible work environment. The resource center was founded to help women, but also offers programs to help all people, regardless of gender.

Mark G. McLaughlin is a professional and prolific writer with a proven publishing record in a wide variety of fields. An historian, novelist, freelance journalist, ghost-writer, book reviewer, magazine editor, web and magazine columnist, Mark has more than 30 years of experience. His work can be found at Examiner.com.